Candlelight Vigil Planned In Memory Of Westminster Homeless Man

WESTMINSTER, CA — A candlelight memorial is planned for a homeless man who died outside of a Westminster church this month, residents said. The vigil will take place Friday at 7 p.m., either in front of the church where he died or near the bus stop bench he frequented, according to organizers.

Though yet to be positively identified, the body of a homeless man was found outside the Calvary Chapel Pacific Coast Church on Westminster Boulevard on the evening of Sept. 11, Orange County Coroner spokesperson Inez Chavez said.

Residents have identified the dead man as Mark Oyama, a longtime homeless resident of Westminster.

Oyama was one of Westminster's "invisible people," said resident Martin Velasquez, who is organizing the candlelight vigil in the man's honor.

We have learned much about Oyama through the Westminster Community and Buzz Facebook groups. He was thought to have attended Westminster High School and later became involved in drugs and alcohol, according to a post shared by Terry Rains, administrator of the Westminster Buzz Facebook group.

Oyama's family moved away from the area, it is believed by those who knew him best. Still, he remained in the area of Westminster Boulevard for more than 16 years, sleeping and eating on bus stop benches and the church's stairs. It's where he lived and kept his stuff, says Patch editor and nearby resident Paige Austin.

Oyama was the person you passed at bus stops and grocery stores. The one you wish you had helped, Velasquez and others said on social media.

Over the years, he became a fixture in the community. He touched many hearts with a friendly smile or a wave. Many offered to help him by providing food and money, but he rarely — if ever — accepted those offerings.

More than 50 people are planning to attend the vigil, Velasquez said.

"It's been a crazy response. We never expected that," Velasquez said.

Like many, Velasquez frequently saw Oyama around town. Also, like many, he considered helping out by offering him food or money.

"I've always had it in me to want to help him out, buy him a meal, and I would see him at the most random times. I'd always say, 'Next time. Next time.' But next time never came. When I heard of his passing, it convicted me. It broke my heart," Velasquez said. "There are so many moments in life we take for granted. When I heard of how he died, it broke my heart. He died with no one around. It is the least we can do to make a vigil for him."

Velasquez decided to organize the small ceremony with the church in the man's memory, helping the city say goodbye and to offer peace. He reached out to the chapel. Patch will update this story when and if the chapel becomes involved with the arrangements.

According to numerous Facebook community posts, Oyama fed the birds in the neighborhood. He talked to residents and was a friendly face around town.

One thing everyone said was that he was not known to accept handouts.

"I don't know what his state of mind was, but he was at peace with his situation and didn't expect anything from anyone," Velasquez said. "He respected the area where he was staying and was a different type of person. Though he didn't have a home here, he was a resident of Westminster."

The Orange County Coroner's office is still seeking the man's next of kin or known relatives. Anyone with information should share information with that office at 714-647-7400.